Aus dem Kriegstagebuch von Erna Maria Johansen

The "War Diary" of Erna Maria Johansen (1911-1986) contains no reports of victories, heroic deeds, hate, or perseverance slogans. It describes how she, as an ostracized reform educator, opponent of the Nazis, and mother of four children, endures the war. Amidst a population that supports German conquests and the Nazi regime, she maintains her upright and humane stance. She bravely confronts adversities such as fear and flight, hunger and violence, harassment and threats, and never gives up her resistance against the unjust regime. She instills democratic values in her children and strives to meet their needs. The publication of her experiences in Berlin and after evacuation to the countryside serves as a tribute to E. M. Johansen—but also to other brave women who did not follow the racist and militaristic dictates. It is also a reminder: Never again war. Never again militarism.